Elton John

The Muse (1999)

1.Driving Home
2.Driving to Universal
3.Driving to Jack's
4.Walk of Shame
5.Better Have a Gift
6.The Wrong Gift
7.The Aquarium
8.Are We Laughing
9.Take a Walk with Me
10.What Should I Do
11.Back to the Aquarium
12.Seven Redecorates
13.To the Guest House
14.To the Cookie Factory
15.Multiple Personality
16.Sarah Escapes
17.Back to Paramount
18.Meet Christine
19.The Muse
20.The Muse (remix)

By the late ’90s, Elton John had reached a point in his career where he could afford to follow his curiosities—and The Muse is exactly that: a curious little detour. Not a traditional album by any means, this soundtrack was composed for the Albert Brooks film of the same name, and stands as one of Elton’s rare forays into scoring rather than songwriting.

To his credit, Elton does what’s asked of him here. The music is soft, serviceable, and unmistakably his. But therein lies the challenge. As a soundtrack, The Muse is largely comprised of short, scene-setting instrumentals with titles like Driving to Jack’s, To the Guesthouse, and Driving to Universal—musical interludes meant to support a film rather than exist apart from it. And while the familiar touch of Elton’s piano is present, the compositions are so brief and functional that it’s difficult to imagine anyone outside of the most devoted completist reaching for this disc.

It doesn’t help that the film itself wasn’t exactly warmly received. A mild Hollywood satire with a lukewarm reception, The Muse didn’t inspire much in the way of cultural staying power, which means the soundtrack—detached from any memorable cinematic moments—suffers doubly in hindsight.

For those looking for something more in line with Elton’s core strengths, the album does offer two proper songs—well, two versions of the same song: The Muse. One is a studio recording, the other a reprise. Neither are bad, but neither leave much of an impression, either. They feel like contractual add-ons more than creative statements.

As side projects go, The Muse is harmless. It’s Elton, doing a professional job for a forgettable film, with no illusions about grandeur or chart impact. It won’t win over new listeners, nor will it likely get much replay even from longtime fans. Still, it’s another notch in the belt of an artist who’s never been afraid to say yes to an odd request.

Go back to the main page
Go To Next Review